The depth of the Touch is partly there for the IR beam system that detects your finger. If I read the Paperwhite correctly it does not use IR but rather a capacitive layer. So the bezel-to-screen depth could be shorter. Good and bad since another semi-transparent layer is not known to enhance contrast (see earlier Sony touch readers before they went to IR).

My question is whether its screen is newer generation or not since they say it has higher contrast and ppi.
I have to say that it is strange if it really is newer version considering Kobo is still using the same pearl screen for their Kobos which they just announced.

I wonder that Amazon has an exclusive contract to use the new generation of e-ink?
That makes sense that because of a supply issue the Kindle Paperwhite is only available in the USA right now.

Another question: Am I correct to assume that one can still side-load books onto these new Kindles the way that we do with the other models (via PC connection)? Must be, but I want to make certain.
Thanks

Another question: Am I correct to assume that one can still side-load books onto these new Kindles the way that we do with the other models (via PC connection)? Must be, but I want to make certain.
Thanks

Me too.
I use it mostly for DRM-liberated books which I reformat to my taste...
I suppose we'll just have to wait for Kovid Goyal to include it in the new Calibre.

Another question: Am I correct to assume that one can still side-load books onto these new Kindles the way that we do with the other models (via PC connection)? Must be, but I want to make certain.
Thanks

My question is whether its screen is newer generation or not since they say it has higher contrast and ppi.
I have to say that it is strange if it really is newer version considering Kobo is still using the same pearl screen for their Kobos which they just announced.

I wonder that Amazon has an exclusive contract to use the new generation of e-ink?
That makes sense that because of a supply issue the Kindle Paperwhite is only available in the USA right now.

The new Kobo device is advertised as "high-res XGA E Ink Pearl". So not sure if that means same pearl screen with a higher res or if it's truly "next gen"

I'm guessing, but I think 77% less would make it about as deep as the current K4/KK?

I believe that's correct. This was a concern of mine, also, so I searched the internet for some good photos. According to one of the techies at the event who had hands-on experience (and a really good closeup photo he supplied), the PW's bezel is nice and flat, same depth as the K4 and KK. Yay, no more shadows

As for the display, it's definitely e-ink. The screen always looks so white in most of the photos. But what I've been itching to know, is what it looks like without the light on.

Well, I finally found a closeup shot of a side-by-side comparison of the KT and the PW with the light OFF. Much to my surprise, the color/shade of the PW's screen is no different from the Touch. So it's the light that makes it look "white"...which I'm actually grateful for, because it allows me to decide just how white I want it.

As you can see, even though the PW's background is the same greyish color as the KT (with the light off), the fonts themselves are definitely improved...noticeably darker and crisper. So even if it had no light, the display is still greatly improved over the KT.